Departments

We are always delighted to welcome clients to the saleroom where objects can be appraised, for larger consignments or if it is more convenient, we are very happy to arrange a free home visit where a valuer will visit and advise you on the value of items and talk you through the auction process. We run several categories of auction to accommodate the entire range of antiques, fine art, silver, jewellery, collectables and general furnishings etc. Our valuers have a broad range of specialities offering a comprehensive and professional service. Ramsay Cornish places great emphasis on the importance of client relations, you will find our valuers experienced, sympathetic and approachable.

General Furnishings

At Ramsay Cornish we hold a wide variety of auctions from regular Specialist Antique & Decorators auctions to weekly General Interiors sales. Our General Interiors auctions regularly feature a broad range of contemporary and period style decorative furniture and effects which inevitably form part of every home. Items often featured include light fittings, dining furniture, upholstered furniture including sofas and easy chairs, period and modern wall mirrors, a selection of carpets and rugs, decorative items including lamps, silver and jewellery, glassware and ceramics. Any of our team of valuers are happy to provide advice on suitability and a guide to value on this type of item. Please contact our office to make an appointment for a home visit or feel free to visit our saleroom where one of our valuers will be happy to assist.

Furniture

Martin Cornish

Senior Director Martin Cornish has over thirty five years experience as an auctioneer and valuer. Originally training with Lyon & Turnbull, George Street, Edinburgh, Martin has extensive experience in valuations both of goods for sale, for private clients and public collections. He specialises in formal valuations for Inheritance Tax, working for some of Scotland’s most established solicitors’ firms. A natural eye and a firm handle on the current market for both antiques and modern furnishings, Martin is ideally placed to value all levels of goods from general household to fine antiques and works of art.

Richard Edwards

Senior Auctioneer and Valuer

Having graduated in Law from the University of Edinburgh, Richard spent a number of years in London as a professional in the property market. Richard then undertook a course with Christie’s London before joining Sothebys in New York as an expert in their European Works of Art Department. A desire to broaden his base of expertise led Richard to join Doyle New York where he was a general appraiser preparing valuations of entire house contents as well as cataloguing furniture, silver, porcelain for general and specialist auctions. Returning to the UK Richard headed up Addisons of Barnard Castle where the enormously wide range of lots provided him with a background of knowledge to provide advice on items from a humble Victorian tea service to a Chippendale desk. Richard brings his wealth of expertise, cataloguing skills and humour to his role as a consultant to Ramsay Cornish.

Silver & jewellery

Martin Cornish

Senior Director Martin Cornish has over thirty five years experience as an auctioneer and valuer. Originally training with Lyon & Turnbull, George Street, Edinburgh, Martin has extensive experience in valuations both of goods for sale, for private clients and public collections. He specialises in formal valuations for Inheritance Tax, working for some of Scotland’s most established solicitors’ firms. A natural eye and a firm handle on the current market for both antiques and modern furnishings, Martin is ideally placed to value all levels of goods from general household to fine antiques and works of art.

Paintings & works of art

Richard Edwards

Senior Auctioneer and Valuer

Having graduated in Law from the University of Edinburgh, Richard spent a number of years in London as a professional in the property market. Richard then undertook a course with Christie’s London before joining Sothebys in New York as an expert in their European Works of Art Department. A desire to broaden his base of expertise led Richard to join Doyle New York where he was a general appraiser preparing valuations of entire house contents as well as cataloguing furniture, silver, porcelain for general and specialist auctions. Returning to the UK Richard headed up Addisons of Barnard Castle where the enormously wide range of lots provided him with a background of knowledge to provide advice on items from a humble Victorian tea service to a Chippendale desk. Richard brings his wealth of expertise, cataloguing skills and humour to his role as a consultant to Ramsay Cornish.

Militaria

Richard Edwards

Senior valuer and auctioneer

Having graduated in Law from the University of Edinburgh, Richard spent a number of years in London as a professional in the property market. Richard then undertook a course with Christie’s London before joining Sothebys in New York as an expert in their European Works of Art Department. A desire to broaden his base of expertise led Richard to join Doyle New York where he was a general appraiser preparing valuations of entire house contents as well as cataloguing furniture, silver, porcelain for general and specialist auctions. Returning to the UK Richard headed up Addisons of Barnard Castle where the enormously wide range of lots provided him with a background of knowledge to provide advice on items from a humble Victorian tea service to a Chippendale desk. Richard brings his wealth of expertise, cataloguing skills and humour to his role as a consultant to Ramsay Cornish.

Dickie Pavey

Specialist Valuer and Saleroom manager

From teenage years as a collector of militaria Dickie found himself working with one of Edinburgh’s most flamboyant and knowledgeable antique dealers, specialising in militaria, stamps and collectables, in the 1980s. Dickie learnt by handling a wide range of antiques and collectable, the best way to learn with an experienced and knowledgeable mentor. With a natural eye, curiosity and eclectic interests, Dickie’s training continued as an integral part of his working and personal life.

Books, manuscripts & ephemera

Beatrice Bath

Beatrice trained as a book conservator and bookbinder. She went on to work with Christies, South Kensington for nine years in the Books & Manuscripts Dept, specialising in autographs and signed memorabilia. During her time at Christies, Beatrice also worked in the watercolour department, specialising in original book illustrations. Beatrice was responsible for the Valentine sales held each February as well as Traditional Sports. On her return to Scotland, she brought up her family and acted as a Regional Representative for a Scottish auction house on the West Coast. Beatrice brings her enthusiasm and joyful approach to her subject to Ramsay Cornish.

Oriental

Martin Cornish

Senior Director Martin Cornish has over thirty five years experience as an auctioneer and valuer. Originally training with Lyon & Turnbull, George Street, Edinburgh, Martin has extensive experience in valuations both of goods for sale, for private clients and public collections. He specialises in formal valuations for Inheritance Tax, working for some of Scotland’s most established solicitors’ firms. A natural eye and a firm handle on the current market for both antiques and modern furnishings, Martin is ideally placed to value all levels of goods from general household to fine antiques and works of art.

Collectables

Dickie Pavey

Specialist Valuer and Saleroom manager

From teenage years as a collector of militaria Dickie found himself working with one of Edinburgh’s most flamboyant and knowledgeable antique dealers, specialising in militaria, stamps and collectables, in the 1980s. Dickie learnt by handling a wide range of antiques and collectables: the best way to learn with an experienced and knowledgeable mentor. With a natural eye, curiosity and eclectic interests, this passionate interest continued as an integral part of his working and personal life.

Beatrice Bath

Beatrice trained as a book conservator and bookbinder. She went on to work with Christies, South Kensington for nine years in the Books & Manuscripts Dept, specialising in autographs and signed memorabilia. During her time at Christies, Beatrice also worked in the watercolour department, specialising in original book illustrations. Beatrice was responsible for the Valentine sales held each February as well as Traditional Sports. On her return to Scotland, she brought up her family and acted as a Regional Representative for a Scottish auction house on the West Coast. Beatrice brings her enthusiasm and joyful approach to her subject to Ramsay Cornish.

Ceramics & glass

Martin Cornish

Senior Director Martin Cornish has over thirty five years experience as an auctioneer and valuer. Originally training with Lyon & Turnbull, George Street, Edinburgh, Martin has extensive experience in valuations both of goods for sale, for private clients and public collections. He specialises in formal valuations for Inheritance Tax, working for some of Scotland’s most established solicitors’ firms. A natural eye and a firm handle on the current market for both antiques and modern furnishings, Martin is ideally placed to value all levels of goods from general household to fine antiques and works of art.

Richard Edwards

Senior Valuer and auctioneer

Having graduated in Law from the University of Edinburgh, Richard spent a number of years in London as a professional in the property market. Richard then undertook a course with Christie’s London before joining Sothebys in New York as an expert in their European Works of Art Department. A desire to broaden his base of expertise led Richard to join Doyle New York where he was a general appraiser preparing valuations of entire house contents as well as cataloguing furniture, silver, porcelain for general and specialist auctions. Returning to the UK Richard headed up Addisons of Barnard Castle where the enormously wide range of lots provided him with a background of knowledge to provide advice on items from a humble Victorian tea service to a Chippendale desk. Richard brings his wealth of expertise, cataloguing skills and humour to his role as a consultant to Ramsay Cornish.

Wines & spirits

Martin Cornish

Senior Director Martin Cornish has over thirty five years experience as an auctioneer and valuer. Originally training with Lyon & Turnbull, George Street, Edinburgh, Martin has extensive experience in valuations both of goods for sale, for private clients and public collections. He specialises in formal valuations for Inheritance Tax, working for some of Scotland’s most established solicitors’ firms. A natural eye and a firm handle on the current market for both antiques and modern furnishings, Martin is ideally placed to value all levels of goods from general household to fine antiques and works of art.

Coins, banknotes & stamps

Charlie Munro

Presently the Master Hallmarker at the Assay Office, Charlie has been involved with stamps and collections since the 1970s and been involved in numerous valuations and been a keen collector himself for over four decades. Charlie has a vast knowledge and is blessed with a photographic memory, invaluable when appraising stamps and coins in particular.

Maps & prints

Richard Edwards

Senior Valuer and auctioneer

Having graduated in Law from the University of Edinburgh, Richard spent a number of years in London as a professional in the property market. Richard then undertook a course with Christie’s London before joining Sothebys in New York as an expert in their European Works of Art Department. A desire to broaden his base of expertise led Richard to join Doyle New York where he was a general appraiser preparing valuations of entire house contents as well as cataloguing furniture, silver, porcelain for general and specialist auctions. Returning to the UK Richard headed up Addisons of Barnard Castle where the enormously wide range of lots provided him with a background of knowledge to provide advice on items from a humble Victorian tea service to a Chippendale desk. Richard brings his wealth of expertise, cataloguing skills and humour to his role as a consultant to Ramsay Cornish.

Beatrice Bath

Beatrice trained as a book conservator and bookbinder. She went on to work with Christies, South Kensington for nine years in the Books & Manuscripts Dept, specialising in autographs and signed memorabilia. During her time at Christies, Beatrice also worked in the watercolour department, specialising in original book illustrations. Beatrice was responsible for the Valentine sales held each February as well as Traditional Sports. On her return to Scotland, she brought up her family and acted as a Regional Representative for a Scottish auction house on the West Coast. Beatrice brings her enthusiasm and joyful approach to her subject to Ramsay Cornish.

Sculpture & garden statuary

Richard Edwards

Senior Auctioneer and Valuer

Having graduated in Law from the University of Edinburgh, Richard spent a number of years in London as a professional in the property market. Richard then undertook a course with Christie’s London before joining Sothebys in New York as an expert in their European Works of Art Department. A desire to broaden his base of expertise led Richard to join Doyle New York where he was a general appraiser preparing valuations of entire house contents as well as cataloguing furniture, silver, porcelain for general and specialist auctions. Returning to the UK Richard headed up Addisons of Barnard Castle where the enormously wide range of lots provided him with a background of knowledge to provide advice on items from a humble Victorian tea service to a Chippendale desk. Richard brings his wealth of expertise, cataloguing skills and humour to his role as a consultant to Ramsay Cornish.

Sporting items

Dickie Pavey

Specialist Valuer and Saleroom manager

From teenage years as a collector of militaria Dickie found himself working with one of Edinburgh’s most flamboyant and knowledgeable antique dealers, specialising in militaria, stamps and collectables, in the 1980s. Dickie learnt by handling a wide range of antiques and collectables: the best way to learn with an experienced and knowledgeable mentor. With a natural eye, curiosity and eclectic interests, his passionate interest continued as an integral part of his working and personal life.

Objects de vertu & decorative arts

Martin Cornish

Senior Director Martin Cornish has over thirty five years experience as an auctioneer and valuer. Originally training with Lyon & Turnbull, George Street, Edinburgh, Martin has extensive experience in valuations both of goods for sale, for private clients and public collections. He specialises in formal valuations for Inheritance Tax, working for some of Scotland’s most established solicitors’ firms. A natural eye and a firm handle on the current market for both antiques and modern furnishings, Martin is ideally placed to value all levels of goods from general household to fine antiques and works of art.

Richard Edwards

Senior Auctioneer and Valuer

Having graduated in Law from the University of Edinburgh, Richard spent a number of years in London as a professional in the property market. Richard then undertook a course with Christie’s London before joining Sothebys in New York as an expert in their European Works of Art Department. A desire to broaden his base of expertise led Richard to join Doyle New York where he was a general appraiser preparing valuations of entire house contents as well as cataloguing furniture, silver, porcelain for general and specialist auctions. Returning to the UK Richard headed up Addisons of Barnard Castle where the enormously wide range of lots provided him with a background of knowledge to provide advice on items from a humble Victorian tea service to a Chippendale desk. Richard brings his wealth of expertise, cataloguing skills and humour as in his role as a consultant to Ramsay Cornish.